Why I Am Black Not African American Summary

The article entitled “Why I am Black and Not African American” written by John H. McWhorter argues that americans should use the term black instead of African American when referring to people of color. The term black is perceived as a symbol of strength and hard work, while the term african american transports blacks back to a time in history filled with bondage and discrimination. Therefore, McWhorter argues that the derogatory term of african american should not be used and that the term black is more appropriate. McWhorter was able to establish a strong argument because he met several of the standard criteria for a quality argument. The established criteria explains that a quality argument must include a debatable thesis, supporting evidence, ethos, pathos, and an opposition. These are not all of the factor for having a sturdy argument, but these are the factors that McWhorter followed to create

The inclusion of evidence, ethos, pathos, and a strong claim, but it can also be strengthened by what is not included. In the essay “Why I am Black, Not African American” the author John McWhorter made the decision to omit an opposition statement. This was a risky decision, because not acknowledging the other side of the argument can make the reader perceive the author as closed minded and shallow. However, the lack of opposition in this essay was not seen in that light. The lack of an opposition statement provided the essay with a stronger flow. Throughout the piece the author was building upon his claim, and since he did not stop to add an opposition in the middle of the essay his claim became stronger. Additionally, the lack of opposition provided for a stronger sense of organization. There was no place in the essay that an opposition would clearly fit and still create a strong argument. Therefore, McWhorter's decision to omit an opposition strengthened his essay because the flow of the essay was never